I have not been inspired to write of late. I look at the blank screen and I got a whole lot of nothing. I have been considering whether I should close it up, wondering whether I have written everything I have to write, contemplated whether I am done. I have decided not to make any decisions. Just to let it ride for a bit longer and see what happens. Maybe I continue; maybe I don't. I'm really not certain at all.
In the meantime, I am going to do a series of mini-posts, all contained within this larger post. A bit of catch up, if you will.
* * *
This has been a stressful week at home. We received very unwelcome and expensive news concerning the condition of the house. We have rot issues that will take many thousands of dollars (and I mean, many) to rectify and the rectification process must begin immediately. So, let's see. The Viking Bride has removed (with my blessings) her salary from our income statement and our budget just got shot out of the water with a huge cap. ex. problem. Yeah, life continues to get interesting.
* * *
Attended a squash clinic on Wednesday night with a young kid late of the Trinity College Squash team -- they are basically professionals, all of them. It was the best time I had all week. And I was even able to move the next day. But I learned a lot.
* * *
Mother's Day was outstanding. My mother felt well enough to attend brunch with us. The Girl Child (aged 6) spent part of a school day writing a card for both her grandfather and grandmother. It read:
Dear Grenparens,Thank you for making my life so much nicer. I love you lots.
Love,
The Girl Child
Not a dry eye in the house after having read that.
* * *
The Boy Child is still sucking his thumb. We are not that happy about it.
While at brunch, I had to take him to the bathroom. Upon our return, his plate with his cookie on it was gone. He was not pleased.
BC: Pappa! My cookie's gone!Me: So, go back to the dessert table and get another one.
BC: I don't want to go by myself.
Me: Well, I just took you to the bathroom and I am not taking you to the dessert table. Ask your sister if she will take you.
BC: Girl Child, will you take me to the dessert table.
GC: Yes. [gets up, holds out her hand to him, he puts his hand in hers and they set off]
Then I hear her say
GC: But Boy Child, if I see you put that thumb in your mouth, we are coming right back. Do you understand?
Tough kid.
* * *
Celebrated 17 Mai yesterday. Norwegian Constitution Day. I had to give a dinner for a committee I serve on so I created a 4 course meal that the chef made for us. It was a stunning success. Much aquavit and beer. So much that when I was in the gym this morning, my sweat smelled like caraway, of all things.
* * *
I have been immersed, in my own head, thinking about issues concerning pricing and value. I started a post on it but didn't finish it. Maybe I will.
* * *
I hope you all have a great weekend (anyone still reading, that is)!
Posted by Random Penseur at May 18, 2007 03:27 PM | TrackBackStill here! I'm hunkered down myself, with 3 weeks of school and 5 weeks of gestation left. Been thinking about y'all, though. Best of luck with everything, as always.
Posted by: Mandalei at May 18, 2007 03:51 PMI miss you when you go missing. Nice to hear life goes on, as it is wont to do.
Posted by: Jennifer at May 18, 2007 04:35 PMI'm still here too. Sorry to hear about the house. And I'm glad to hear your mother is improving.
The Girl Child is precious. And so are your boys.
Posted by: caltechgirl at May 18, 2007 04:42 PMEven if you don't have a lot to say right now, I hope that you won't give up on this place entirely. It always brightens my day when I get to read about your children or learn your opinions on a given topic. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Angie at May 18, 2007 04:55 PMI was wondering what happened to you.
First, glad your mother is feeling better. I love, love, love the card GC gave to them. Moments like that are priceless. Ari gave me a t-shirt and card he made himself and it was the best gift EVER!
Rot issues that have to be dealt with right away? Do you have black mold? That stuff is nasty. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this. I'm wondering why your house inspector didn't catch this when you bought the place. I mean, you've been there less than 2 years. Any rotting should have been evident.
Anyway, I hope you don't stop writing. I know how it is. I stopped for a while and have recently gotten back into it again. I needed the break. So, take your time.
Regarding the aquavit, we recently drank some from a care package that came from Scandinavia. Plus, a little gourmet food market in town sells Gjetost. I guess I've missed my heritage lately. Oh, and if you haven't been by my site in a while, I announced that I was offered a position beginning in August. My boss is Norwegian. It's AWESOME!
With fondness...
Posted by: Linda at May 18, 2007 05:02 PMStill kicking. That's always good.
I think I have said it before, but if you posted a grocery list, I'd read it.
Take care, hang in there, and all that rot! Life is what happens when you made other plans.
Posted by: Margi at May 18, 2007 05:09 PMI'm still here too. We all get busy in our lives but it is a comfort for me to have you here when I drop by. I hope you continue to write.
Posted by: Annie at May 18, 2007 09:04 PMStill here. Lurking. I, too, am in an extended dry spell. It probably has to do with my long and ever shifting work hours. Three hours sleep one night (or day), 14 hours sleep the next.
Well, that's my excuse anyway...
Posted by: Tuning Spork at May 19, 2007 10:30 AMRP, don't you be shutting down nothin'. Anyone who tells me their BO smells like caraway is far too creative and original to stop writing even if life is throwing some rotten curves your way. 'Sides which if you have nothing to say, Girl Child and Boy Child always have intriguing sensibilities that we want to hear about.
And if you quit, you just might start sucking your thumb. ;)
Posted by: Roberta S at May 19, 2007 10:34 PMA belated Happy Norwegian Constitution Day! Skål!
Posted by: MCNS at May 21, 2007 07:26 AMRP, I'm still reading although I don't always comment, sorry. But I do love reading you and I hate it when I show up and the page is all white because the other entries have moved to archives. :)
Posted by: Amber at May 21, 2007 11:08 AMStill reading and enjoying.
Posted by: Howard at May 21, 2007 04:25 PMGlad to see you found it within you to post something! I was also saddened to keep stopping by and being greeted by a white screen.
Posted by: GrammarQueen at May 22, 2007 04:16 PMAh, over here it is 17 June - with Vodka, and pan-fried Cod, and Bjork.
Heh.
Happy day, you posted...!
Belated 17 May to you all :)
Posted by: Eizabeth at May 29, 2007 08:59 AM